The Environment
Improving the environment is a key issue for the LSP and the main implementation groups taking this forward are the Environment Implementation Group and the Action for Housing and Communities Implementation Group. The Action for Housing and Communities Group merged with the Key Strategy Group; this has strengthened the group as the Key Strategy Group included Registered Social Landlords and private developers. The merging of the group has also avoided duplication.
Some improvements to the Environment so far are as follows:
- the award winning £10million millennium project 'Turning the Tide' has cleaned up the East Durham coast.
- remodelled the promenade at Seaham Harbour.
- six former colliery sites landscaped and brought back into use.
- attracted housing investment into our communities at Castle Eden, Vane Tempest, Parkside, Thornley, Easington Village and Colliery.
- supported failing housing markets in areas suffereing from lack of demand.
- new sewage treatment works constructed in Dawdon and Horden to improve sea water quality.
- improved local community shop fronts.
- redevelopment of Peterlee town centre.
- Smoke control areas cover 88% of the district, improving air quality.
- Protection of the natural environment.
- Street cleaning, litter abatement, abandoned vehicles and arson initiatives making the district cleaner.